I opened this neglected blog space at least once a month. Drafts filled my computer, and I made a mental note every week to update it. I debated archiving this site, yet as I researched and wrote, I wanted to return to this digital space, which began as my digital research notebook. It was a place to talk about my research “out loud,” process findings, and connect with an online community. So, I am returning, I need this space again.

Last month’s reading, April 2024

Last March, I graduated and accepted a two-year visiting scholar (post-doc) position. Although I questioned my decision, as did many others, there is something magical about being here, especially the research opportunities. Elders I work with cite Francoise Hamlin’s notion of Mississippi magic, with everything falling into place in terms of research. Overall, I am excited to return to this space and share my archival findings and public history work.

What happened in a year:

• Presented an upcoming journal article in Bonn, Germany for the Gendered Segregation, Segregating Gender, a special issue of Gender & History.
  • Overall presentations for the year: 6, including a community archiving workshop
• Received a small grant to support the work of civil rights veteran, Jan Hillegas, who has curated a massive archival collection related to the Mississippi Movement.
  • Most importantly, I started to work with Hillegas in processing, organizing, and digitizing this collection.
• Taught my first courses, post-Ph.D., a community course, and a graduate course.
• Won a research grant to visit a special collection in Atlanta this summer. This collection helps with both book projects & an additional research project.
• & yes, rested & of course, saw a few Broadway shows (I loved Purlie Victorious).

stay tuned,

Dr. Christina J.